At Chadwick Nott, we’ve been involved in countless senior-level legal moves, often long before they hit the headlines. Behind every press release announcing a new partner hire lies months of confidential discussions and planning. So, what drives these moves, and what should you consider if you’re thinking about making one?
Legal Blogs
Partner-Level Moves: What Drives Them and How to Prepare
Current Market Conditions
Law firms are always interested in strong Partner-level candidates, but hiring at this level is a significant investment. Today, firms are more strategic than ever, weighing costs against expected returns. Opportunistic hires still happen—especially in high-demand areas like Real Estate, Corporate, Commercial, specialist Litigation, Pensions, Financial Services, and niche sectors such as Agriculture.
In the South West, we’ve seen notable moves in Bristol, Cheltenham, Cardiff, Somerset, Devon, and along the South Coast. Appetite remains strong for the right individual with the right client base.
The Fundamentals
Partner-level roles are rarely advertised. Firms prefer discreet networking and often work with agencies like Chadwick Nott to make introductions. Confidential conversations, exploratory meetings, and trust are key.
Expect discussions around:
- Why you’re considering a move
- Your practice area and client base
- Your knowledge of the target firm
- Your financial expectations—and your client following
The Following Question
Client following is critical. Firms want to know:
- Which clients generate regular work and fees
- How loyal they are—and whether loyalty lies with you or your current firm
- Estimated annual fee income from these clients
While predictions aren’t fool-proof, you’ll need to provide an informed view.
Why Partners Move
Common reasons include:
- Frustration with lack of ambition or progress at current firm
- Desire for a better platform or new client opportunities
- Cultural fit or leadership aspirations
- Simply wanting a fresh challenge
Key Considerations
- Understand your value to a new firm
- Review restrictive covenants and notice periods
- Clarify your desired role, pure fee-earning or leadership responsibilities
- Reflect on your motivations: Are issues solvable internally or is a move truly the right step?
How We Help
Our South West team has decades of experience and deep market connections. We offer:
- Confidential advice and market insights
- CV and business case support
- Discreet introductions and exploratory conversations
If you’re considering a move, contact us for a no-obligation discussion.
